LEGENDARY golfing commentator Peter Alliss was last night among famous figures from the sporting world to officially kick off the build-up to this year's Open Championship.
The prestigious golfing tournament will be played at Royal Portrush in July, marking a historic return to Northern Ireland for golf’s oldest and most international championship after almost 70 years.
With less than six months to go until 190,000 fans and visitors from across the world descend on Portrush, an event was held last night to celebrate Northern Ireland's status as a world class tourism destination.
The 'We’ve Come a Long Way' event at Titanic Belfast, organised by Tourism NI, included the unveiling of a short film to mark the north's successes.
A sporting panel including record-breaking champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy OBE and four-time Superbike World Champion, Jonathan Rea shared their experiences of competing at the top of their profession and representing Northern Ireland on the world stage.
Martin Slumbers of the R&A said: "It is now only a few short months until the global sporting spotlight falls upon Northern Ireland for The 148th Open, when the world’s greatest golfers will compete for the iconic Claret Jug.
"We are very much looking forward to staging a successful and memorable Championship in July when we will welcome tens of thousands of fans to the famous Dunluce Links to enjoy this historic occasion."
Tourism NI chairman Terence Brannigan added: "The 148th Open will leave a legacy that will benefit Northern Ireland for years to come.
"It will boost our reputation as a premier destination for international events and gives a well-earned boost to the development of our hard-working tourism businesses."
